Pure Intimacy: God's Design for Sex

How do I know if I need counseling?

Many people avoid counseling as if it is a disease or a prison sentence.

Question: How do I know if I need counseling?

Answer: Many people avoid counseling as if it is a disease or a prison sentence. The truth is that trained counselors can be very effective at helping you sort through any issue that is plaguing you. If you had a constant pain in your abdomen, chances are you would visit a doctor if it lasted more than a day or two. Your emotional and mental health is just as important. If you don’t know whether you need a counselor you can ask yourself some important questions (see above). These may help you determine if counseling is appropriate for your situation. You can also call our Counseling Department and share your situation or concerns with one of our therapists to see if he or she recommends that you seek a trained professional in your area.

 

Questions to ask yourself:

• Have you spent a great deal of time during the past few weeks thinking and worrying about this issue; are you unable to get it off your mind?
• Have you experienced a sudden weight loss or gain recently? Loss of appetite? Sleeping difficulties?
• Have you experienced difficulty concentrating or an inability to focus on the task at hand?
• Have you experienced prolonged feelings of hopelessness and despair?
• Have you begun to use alcohol or other drugs excessively, perhaps to self-medicate?
• Have you noticed a decrease in your patience and ability to manage frustration and an increase in the frequency and intensity of anger?
• Have you noticed a change in any behaviors in your spouse or other close family members which trouble you?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions, you may benefit from speaking with a professional Christian counselor.